Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection contains the active substance octreotide. It is a synthetic compound derived from somatostatin, a substance naturally found in the human body that inhibits the effects of certain hormones, such as growth hormones. It is used to reduce the amount of growth hormone produced by people with acromegaly (a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, causing enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features; joint pain; and other symptoms) who cannot be treated with surgery, radiation, or another medication.
It is also used to control diarrhea and flushing caused by carcinoid tumors (slow-growing tumors that release natural substances that can cause symptoms) and vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting adenomas (VIP-omas; tumors that form in the pancreas and release natural substances that can cause symptoms). It is used to prevent complications following surgery of the pancreas gland. It is also indicated to stop bleeding and to protect from re-bleeding from ruptured gastro-esophageal varices in patients suffering from chronic liver disease. This medicine is used to treat people with pituitary tumors that produce too much thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) when other types of treatment (surgery or radiotherapy) are not suitable or have not worked and after radiotherapy, to cover the interim period until the radiotherapy becomes fully effective.
Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to octreotide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Inform your physician if you have gallstones, high or low blood sugar levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, and liver diseases. Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection may lower your heart rate, and very high doses can cause abnormal heart rhythm, so your doctor may monitor your heart function regularly during the treatment. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before initiating the treatment.
Uses of Sandostatin Lar 10mg InjectionTo treat acromegalyRelieve symptoms associated with some tumors of the GI tractTo prevent complications following surgery of the pancreas glandTo treat pituitary tumors that produce too much TSH Therapeutic Effects of Sandostatin Lar 10mg Injection
Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection acetate, a cyclic octapeptide agent, inhibits growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin more effectively than the natural hormone somatostatin. The drug also reduces growth hormone and IGF-I (somatomedin C) in acromegaly, inhibits gallbladder contractions, reduces bile secretion, and suppresses thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. Interaction of Sandostatin Lar 10mg Injection with other drugsInform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection and reduce their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. More Information about Sandostatin Lar 10mg Injection Store the Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°CDo not freezeProtect the medicine from light and excessive moisture.Keep the medicine out of reach of children and petsIf you forgot to take the injection, inform your healthcare professional immediately and reschedule the appointment.How to consume Sandostatin Lar 10mg InjectionAlways use this medicine as exactly prescribed by your doctor. Depending on the condition being treated, an infusion of Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection is given by either subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, intramuscularly (into the muscle of the buttocks), or intravenous (into a vein). A healthcare professional will always administer intravenous and intramuscular injections. If you are prescribed a subcutaneous injection, your doctor or other healthcare professional will explain how to inject the medicine under the skin. Safety Advices for Sandostatin Lar 10mg Injection
Pregnancy
Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection will only be given during pregnancy if needed. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting pregnancy, or planning to get pregnant during the treatment. Use effective contraception during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended in patients taking Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection because the medicine passes into the breast milk in small amounts and may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed during the treatment.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection can be used in patients with lung disorders. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure. Dose adjustments are necessary if you have liver problems. Inform your physician if you have any liver disease before initiating the therapy.
Alcohol
It is unsafe to drink alcohol while you take Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection because it may cause damage to your liver
Driving
Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection does not alter your ability to drive and operate heavy machinery. If you feel dizzy, consult the doctor before driving or using machines.
Side Effects of Sandostatin Lar 10mg InjectionSide effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.Common
- Diarrhea, flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Tiredness
- Headache, nausea
Serious
- Increased heart rate
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Increased or decreased blood sugar levels
- Changes in thyroid levels
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Gall stones
Word of AdviceRegularly check blood sugar levels and inform your physician if you notice any changes such as increased or decreased blood sugar level. Female patients of reproductive potential use an alternative non-hormonal method of contraception, such as condoms, when the oral form of this medicine is used. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein, based on your condition. This medicine may improve fertility in women and can cause unwanted pregnancies. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. FAQs Q 1. What do I have to inform the doctor before using Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection?Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gallbladder disease, diabetes, psoriasis, heart or blood vessel problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, or a history of gallstones before using Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection.
Q 2. What are the long-term side effects of Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection?Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection, when used in the long term, can cause gallstones, which may lead to swelling of the gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas changes in blood sugar levels, heart rhythm problems, and high blood pressure.
Q 3. How to use Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection subcutaneous injection?Your physician or nurse will teach you how to use this medicine. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Q 4. Does Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection result in weight gain and hair loss?Yes, hair loss is Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection's most common side effect, and it might also cause weight gain.
Q 5. Can a diabetic patient take Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection?Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection may cause fluctuations in blood sugar. So this medication should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes only when prescribed by a doctor.
Q 6. What happens if I overdose on Sandostatin LAR 10mg injection?The common overdose symptoms are irregular heartbeat, weight loss, severe upper stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, abdominal swelling, muscle pain, and slow breathing.
Fact Box of Sandostatin Lar 10mg InjectionMolecule Name: Octreotide | Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-metabolic Agent |
Pharmacological Class: Somatostatin analogs | Indications: 1. Treat acromegaly 2. Relieve symptoms associated with some tumors of the GI tract 3. To prevent complications following surgery of the pancreas gland 4. To treat pituitary tumors that produce too much TSH |
